Chapter 11: The Weasel Among the Lion and the Viper
It had taken a fortnight by carriage, but finally Lord Walder had managed to board a carrack courtesy of Lord Lucerys Velaryon, who was waiting for him at the Red Keep. Fortunately, the capital was bustling with the start of the reforms, but he had to be cautious, as he needed to keep the presence of the Tyrells in King's Landing hidden for as long as possible. Spies were everywhere, and he knew it wouldn't be possible to keep it secret for much longer. That's why he had letters written, summoning all the lords of the Seven Kingdoms to gather and swear allegiance to Prince Aegon as the Prince of Dragonstone. It wouldn't raise suspicion, especially after the rebellion. And besides, it would serve to fulfill Rhaegar's egotistical aspirations, as he was eager to fly for the first time, just as his ancestors had done a century and a half ago. On the other hand, it would help calm Dorne a bit, as there were rumors of several contingents moving back and forth. This last news reached him during a discreet meal in the Hand's Tower.
At that moment, he was giving instructions to Waldron and Aenys, who were the de facto rulers of the city, reminding them that their conduct must be impeccable and also entrusting them with the protection of Lady Mina. That's when he received the news that Jon Connington was heading to Dragonstone, which undoubtedly hastened his departure.
By the time the carriage and his escort reached the docks, he was warmly received by Lord Velaryon, who was very grateful for his appointment as the new Warden of the East.
"My dear Lord Frey, you don't know how pleased I am to see you again," he said with genuine joy, as he watched him struggle to board the carrack.
"I wish it were under different circumstances," he replied, returning the greeting with a slight bow.
The two then began to stroll slowly across the deck, hindered by Lord Walder's gout, until they reached his personal cabin, where Lord Velaryon slammed the door shut as Lord Walder sat down on a wooden chair. Soon, he would need the bed.
"Tell me, my good lord, what has transpired?" asked Lord Frey, staring intently at the Master of Ships, gripping his cane firmly.
"Very serious matters," Lord Lucerys replied, clearly worried. "Rumor has it that Prince Oberyn is holding Lady Cersei captive, possibly in Pentos, or maybe in Tyrosh, and Lord Tywin is furious because he has been accused of ordering the queen's murder to place his daughter—and with her, his blood—on the Iron Throne."
Lord Frey snorted. Even if it couldn't be proven, if Lord Tywin were innocent, not even the blindest of men would believe such a thing.
"And what happened afterward?" Lord Frey asked, intrigued.
"His Grace was furious at the accusation and ordered that both be confined to their chambers until he had finished deliberating. Shortly after, he ordered me to fetch you from King's Landing and sent another carrack for Lord Connington."
"I see," he replied. "Lord Lucerys, I thank you for this information, but this poor old man needs to rest. These days have been very tense, and I require some peace."
"Of course, my lord," said Lucerys with a friendly smile. He too must have been under a lot of stress—perhaps even Lord Velaryon had received some reprimand or insinuation, being the Master of Ships. "Your dinner will be served whenever you wish."
After being left alone in the cabin, Lord Walder took off his robe and got into bed, rocked by the waves. He was truly disgusted. But at that moment, there was nothing he could do, and he wasn't about to waste his energy foolishly on speculation when he was dying of sleep. Instead, he would enjoy the tranquility he had at that moment—it would be good for his health.
When they arrived at Dragonstone, despite the stormy weather and the gloominess of the island, he came ashore in good spirits, having enjoyed a good baked fish with some beer, accompanied only by the sound of the waves. But now he was being received by Ser Barristan, who looked visibly concerned about the events.
"Good day to you, Ser Barristan," said Lord Frey jovially.
"Thank you, my lord," he replied earnestly. "But the king demands your presence immediately."
"Of course, you may lead me to His Grace," he requested.
And they both ascended the stone staircase. It was truly a bother, but it was better than the risk of a litter, and he didn't want to give much of an impression of being a useless old man—more of an impression than he was already giving.
"Tell me, Ser Barristan, how is His Grace?"
"The king worries me," he responded seriously. "After the queen's death—may the Seven grant her glory—the king is devastated… I fear he is a victim in all of this."
Lord Frey had to make a real effort not to burst out laughing. He lowered his face and nodded silently.
When he finally reached the fortress, he took a moment to rest. He then walked until he reached the Drum Tower. There he found Rhaegar. He was dressed in a black doublet, looking handsome, but there was something unsettling as he stroked his dragon with true devotion. His dragon had grown a few feet. In less than a year, it would be bigger than any horse. Ser Barristan closed the doors. Then he walked around the room, the tap of his cane echoing throughout the place, while the wind howled and only a few torches provided light.
"Your Grace," he said, bowing, "the matter is already settled."
Rhaegar noticed his presence and offered him a genuine smile of joy. The dragon growled at the loss of attention. The king straightened up and advanced, giving something like a hug to Lord Frey.
"Who is she?" he asked curiously.
"Lady Mina Tyrell, the youngest daughter of Lord Luthor Tyrell. She is a good and beautiful girl of seventeen years, waiting in the capital for your return to be presented."
Rhaegar was silent for a moment. He didn't know this lady, but the fact that she had been kept hidden from him made her seem appealing. He smiled again, as if he could cut the air.
"I would have liked to meet her right now," he replied, disappointed.
"It wouldn't have been wise, with the viper and the lion more dangerous than ever. But I have arranged for you to have an official meeting with Lady Mina at the ceremony where Prince Aegon is sworn in as the future sovereign."
"Splendid," Rhaegar murmured. "It will be the final nail in the old lion's coffin. I dismissed him as Hand after the scandal… I can't prove that he was the one who killed Elia, but no one could benefit more than him."
You yourself, Lord Frey wanted to say. It was impossible to tell when that man was telling the truth or a lie—perhaps not even Rhaegar himself knew.
"I understand," he replied.
"In any case, the position cannot remain vacant," he continued. "For a moment, I considered appointing you as my Hand again, but I dismissed the idea as you are already stretched to your limits with your duties. So, I summoned my good friend Jon Connington, who has been serving in the role for two days now."
At least that had been a good choice.
"And the young Jon?" he inquired with curiosity.
"He is under Maester Cressen's care. In a few moons, he will go to the capital, where he will be raised with my children so that he can learn what loyalty is… perhaps they will be like Aegon and Orys," he said with a laugh.
Lord Frey preferred to remain silent on the matter.
"Very well… but first, we have a problem to resolve."
"Yes… but it will resolve itself."
"What do you mean?"
"Oberyn says Lady Cersei is the biggest whore in the Seven Kingdoms and that she fled across the Narrow Sea to fornicate with all the mercenaries who could fit between her legs," he said amused. "He accuses Lord Tywin of having killed Elia and wanting to get rid of him so he can kill Aegon and have his future grandson become the new king," he continued with little grace. "He insists that all witnesses have been bought with Lannister gold and demands a trial by combat, which will take place in the capital."
"I see," said Lord Frey, surprised by the news.
"Lord Frey? Did you know anything like this was going to happen?" Rhaegar asked, looking at him intently.
But Lord Walder shook his head angrily.
"I would never do such a reckless thing!" he replied. "What purpose would it serve?" he added. "You could choose any woman to marry!"
Rhaegar nodded and looked away.
"My apologies, my lord," he said, somewhat regretful. "Lately, I don't know who to trust."
"You don't have to," he said more calmly. "I will go speak with Prince Oberyn."
After leaving the office, he walked, followed by his guards, until he reached the Red Viper's chambers. As a prince of Dorne, not only was he surrounded by luxury, but when he entered, he found him naked along with five prostitutes and three men.
"Everyone out!" Lord Walder thundered.
But his words fell on deaf ears, so after frowning, revealing his gums, he ordered his soldiers to remove the prince's companions. Oberyn protested, but he was drunk. There were several shouts, but finally, the guards took them all out amidst a loud slam of the door.
"Where is Lady Cersei?" he asked firmly.
"I don't know…" Oberyn said, reclining on the bed.
"What have you done with her?" he asked again.
"Lying won't help you," Lord Frey warned. The Red Viper gave a mischievous smile.
"Maybe I have a hunch… I don't know exactly, but I think I know where."
"Where?"
"At the bottom of the Narrow Sea," he replied. "Can't you see how well one sleeps without one less whore?"
Lord Frey was briefly stunned by such a confession.
"There will be a trial by combat," he warned.
"Thanks for telling me something I already know," Oberyn replied with a yawn. "Now let me sleep."
Lord Frey left the room and headed to his office, where a mountain of scrolls awaited him. In the North, according to Lord Stark, Prince Viserys seemed to be adjusting. But bad news traveled fast, and according to a report on his desk, Ser Jaime Lannister had just set out south to duel with Prince Oberyn. While this was happening, he could see from his window Silverfyre taking its first serious flight. It was a bit clumsy, but Lord Frey felt a connection. A few days later, they would have to leave for the capital. He just hoped there wouldn't be a great tragedy.
"How short-lived peace is," he lamented.
Next Chapter Information:
In the next chapter, the duel between the Viper and Jaime Lannister will take place. Rhaegar will meet Lady Mina, while Lord Walder prepares to eliminate all traces of Lannisters from the court